Israel the History

Witness to History: IDF Paratroopers At The Kotel In 1967

These reactions from IDF paratroopers as they arrived at the Kotel are a powerful reminder of the place Jerusalem has held in the Jewish heart for centuries.

“The Wall was before us. I trembled. There it was as I had known it - immense, mighty, in all its splendor...overcome, I bowed my head in silence.”

– General Uzi Narkiss, Head of Central Command during the Six Day War

“I felt truly shaken and stood there murmuring a prayer for peace. Motta Gur’s paratroopers were struggling to reach the Wall and touch it. We stood among a tangle of rugged, battle-weary men who were unable to believe their eyes or restrain their emotions. Their eyes were moist with tears, their speech incoherent. The overwhelming desire was to cling to the Wall, to hold on to that great moment as long as possible.”

– Chief of Staff Yitzchak Rabin

Photo: Courtesy Werner Braun/Jerusalem Post Archives

“I am speaking to you from the plaza of the Western Wall, the remnant of our Holy Temple. ‘Comfort my people, comfort them, says the Lord your God.’ This is the day we have hoped for, let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation. The vision of all generations is being realized before our eyes: The city of God, the site of the Temple, the Temple Mount and the Western Wall, the symbol of the nation’s redemption, have been redeemed today by you, heroes of the Israel Defense Forces. By doing so you have fulfilled the oath of generations, ‘If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its cunning.’ Indeed, we have not forgotten you, Jerusalem, our holy city, our glory. In the name of the entire Jewish people in Israel and the Diaspora, I hereby recite with supreme joy, Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has kept us in life, who has preserved us, and enabled us to reach this day. This year in Jerusalem – rebuilt! “

– General Shlomo Goren, Chaplain of the Israeli Defense Forces, at the Western Wall

“For some two thousand years the Temple Mount was forbidden to the Jews. Until you came - you, the paratroopers - and returned it to the bosom of the nation. The Western Wall, for which every heart beats, is ours once again. Many Jews have taken their lives into their hands throughout our long history, in order to reach Jerusalem and live here. Endless words of longing have expressed the deep yearning for Jerusalem that beats within the Jewish heart...You have been given the great privilege of completing the circle, of returning to the nation its capital and its holy center...Jerusalem is yours forever.”

– Commander Motta Gur to his brigade upon their recapture of Jerusalem’s Old City and holy sites